Afghanistan

Afghan boy receives signed Messi shirt to replace plastic bag

Afghan internet star Murtaza Ahmadi, who was famed for having a Messi shirt made out of a plastic bag has received a new Jersey signed by the footballer.

The young fan in a photograph that spread on social media has been identified as Murtaza Ahmadi, a five-year-old boy who lives in a Taliban-controlled area of Afghanistan.

Murtaza had no idea he had become an internet sensation after his elder brother, Homayoun, 15, posted the photographs on Facebook of him wearing the plastic bag.

Following an online campaign to make Messi aware of the child, the Afghanistan Football Federation has commented saying "Messi has been in communication with the federation to set up a meeting with the young boy".

However, for now the boy has received a signed Argentina shirt from the Barcelona star to replace his plastic bag.